Children from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, visited residents at Bhakti Shyama Care Centre in south London and Riverlee Care Home in Greenwich, south-east London, on Saturday 14 October 2017.
The initiative was organised by the Mandir in support of International Sewa Day – an annual event where “thousands of good-hearted people across the world come together to perform sewa and experience the joy of giving in its truest sense.”
Young girls with the supervision of adults visited the centres to spend time with the elderly residents. As part of the visit, the children offered prayers for the well-being of all residents and performed bhajans as well as a colourful dance to provide a memorable and enriching experience. The balikas also spoke about some of Hinduism’s values and principles. Residents listened attentively and also participated in the cultural programme.
The visit provided plenty of laughter and enjoyment for the residents. Members of staff at both centres were very pleased and impressed, invitating the children to return again. Manisha Patel, Events Manager at the Bhakti Shyama Care Centre, said, “It was so good to have you. The children provided wonderful memories for our residents. Please do not wait another year to come back.”
One of the balikas, Naitry Patel, 13, who visited the Centre, added, “It was rewarding for all of us and a great opportunity to understand older members of society better. Listening to what they had to say was a valuable learning experience and I am very grateful for the chance to give something back to those who have given so much.”
To learn more about International Sewa Day, please click here.
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